That number is 864 pound-feet which put a brand new P85D on a dynamometer to see just how much twisting force it could muster:

Not everything went smoothly

While it had two sets of rollers to accommodate all-wheel-drive vehicles, things didn't go perfectly smooth.

The instantaneous response of the twin electric motors in the Model S caused the tires to spin on the first couple of tries, though a gentler touch ultimately produced the 864 lb-ft peak - which was confirmed on multiple runs.

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A few words about the peak torque

The peak torque doesn't last long - either on the dyno or in real-world driving - although Tesla will apparently address this in a future software update.

Tesla software update

Tesla will raise the car's electronically-limited top speed from 130 mph to 155 mph.

The upgrade will be offered free of charge, and will be available for the lifetime of each car - meaning subsequent owners will also be able to take advantage of it.

Here's the statement from Tesla Motors:

"The P85D top speed is currently electronically-limited to 130 mph. In the coming months, we will be able to upgrade the car free of charge to enable a 155 mph top speed. This free update will be available for the lifetime of the car (not limited to the first owner). Additionally, an over-the-air firmware upgrade to the power electronics will improve P85D performance at high speed above what anyone outside Tesla has experienced to date. In other words, the car will be better than you experienced. This free upgrade will be rolled out in the next few months, once full validation is complete".

In its current form, the P85D is already one of the most impressive performance sedans--electric or otherwise--on sale. A more-responsive powertrain and a higher top speed can only cement its place in the fast-car hierarchy still further.